Funding should prevent further slushies

The Village of Pemberton received an early Christmas gift from
the provincial and federal governments.

It was announced in December that the village had received
$138,000 to help replace some “substandard culverts” along the dykes that
protect the village from flooding.

Mayor Jordan Sturdy says the funding was announced shortly
after flooding along Pemberton Creek a few weeks ago led to a lengthy road
closure.

“All the snow and the ice that was bridging Pemberton Creek
sagged and collapsed, and then turned into a gigantic slushie,” Sturdy said.

“…We had 150 metres worth of roadway covered in a couple of
feet of water.”

Sturdy says it is surprisingly expensive to replace culverts,
but explained that when they eventually rot out, they can actually begin to
contribute to the flooding problems.

“When the river comes up, the flap on the culvert closes, but
if the culvert is rotten, it can act almost as a pipe through to the dyke and
start water pouring backwards, so they’re critical components.”

Sturdy is pleased that the provincial government recently
committed to providing $10 million in flood protection funding throughout the
province, and hopes the village will receive more support to help replace other
culverts.

He explained that they still have significant flooding issues
to deal with in the Mount Currie area and by the golf course and airport.

“We’re hoping that if we enter into a joint application to look
at mitigation in the lower part of the valley, we’ll be able to come up with
some options for solutions in the long run.”